Energy absorber assembly and components thereof

ABSTRACT

An energy absorber assembly for use with a safety harness comprises a connector, a bracket assembly, a fastener, and an energy absorber. The connector is configured and arranged to operatively connect to the safety harness. The fastener operatively connects the bracket assembly and the connector, and the fastener releases the bracket assembly from the connector when subjected to a predetermined load. The energy absorber operatively connects the bracket assembly and the connector, and the energy absorber includes a first portion and a second portion that separate to absorb shock after the bracket assembly is released from the connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To protect workers who work at heights or are at risk of fallingdistances, lifelines interconnecting support structures and safetyharnesses donned by workers are commonly used. Examples of lifelinesinclude but are not limited to self-retracting lifelines, lanyards, andother suitable lifelines. If a fall event occurs, the lifeline limitsthe distance the worker could fall, however, injury to the worker couldstill occur if, for example, the fall distance before the lifelinebecomes taut is significant. Energy absorbers are typically used inconjunction with such fall arrest equipment to provide a more gradual,less abrupt stop, which assists in preventing or reducing injuriesbecause energy absorbers absorb some of the kinetic energy of thefalling body.

Energy absorbers could interfere with the operation of such fall arrestequipment, especially if they are relatively large and/or are inpositions where they could easily become tangled with the lifelines,safety harnesses, etc. Therefore, the present invention addresses suchproblems because it is relatively compact and connects securely to thesafety harness to reduce the risk of it interfering with othercomponents of the fall arrest equipment.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, there is a need in the art foran energy absorber assembly and components thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressedby embodiments of the present invention and will be understood byreading and understanding the present specification. The followingsummary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It ismerely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspectsof the invention.

In one embodiment, an energy absorber assembly for use with a safetyharness comprises a connector, a bracket assembly, a fastener, and anenergy absorber. The connector is configured and arranged to operativelyconnect to the safety harness. The fastener operatively connects thebracket assembly and the connector, and the fastener releases thebracket assembly from the connector when subjected to a predeterminedload. The energy absorber operatively connects the bracket assembly andthe connector, and the energy absorber includes a first portion and asecond portion that separate to absorb shock after the bracket assemblyis released from the connector.

In one embodiment, an energy absorber assembly for use with a safetyharness comprises a fastener, a connector, a bracket assembly, and anenergy absorber. The connector is configured and arranged to operativelyconnect to the safety harness. The bracket assembly includes a base anda lifeline connector. The base has a slot forming a tab portion with anaperture and a bar portion. The aperture is configured and arranged toreceive the fastener. The bar portion is configured and arranged to beengaged by the energy absorber. The lifeline connector is configured andarranged to engage a lifeline. The fastener operatively connects thebracket assembly and the connector. The fastener releases the bracketassembly from the connector when subjected to a predetermined load. Theenergy absorber operatively connects the bracket assembly and theconnector and includes a first portion and a second portion thatseparate to absorb shock after the bracket assembly is released from theconnector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more easily understood, and furtheradvantages and uses thereof can be more readily apparent, whenconsidered in view of the detailed description and the following Figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a connector in an open position,the connector being a component of an energy absorber assemblyconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the connector shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the connector shown in FIG. 1 in a closedposition;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the connector shown in FIG. 1 in a closedposition;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an energy absorber assemblyconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the energy absorberassembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment energy absorberassembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded front perspective view of the energy absorberassembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the energy absorber assembly shownin FIG. 7 illustrating an energy absorbing position;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an energy absorber component of an energyabsorber assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a bracket assembly component of an energyabsorber assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the bracket assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of base of the bracket assembly shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a swivel portion of the bracket assembly shownin FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the swivel portion shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the swivel portion rotated 90 degrees fromthat shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a first base of another embodiment bracketassembly component of an energy absorber assembly constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the first base shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19A is a front view of a second base used with the first base shownin FIG. 17;

FIG. 19B is a side view of the second base shown in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a base connector for interconnecting thefirst base shown in FIG. 17 and the second base shown in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the base connector shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the base connector shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the base connector taken along thelines 23-23 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the base connector shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a side view of a fastener used with the base connector shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a front view of another embodiment energy absorber assemblyoperatively connected to a safety harness and two self-retractinglifelines;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of a cover of the energy absorber assembly shownin FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a front view of the cover shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the cover shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a front view of an energy absorber of the energy absorberassembly shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a front view of the energy absorber shown in FIG. 30 with anintermediate portion partially unfolded;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the energy absorber shown in FIG. 30 with theintermediate portion substantially unfolded;

FIG. 33 is a front view of a bracket assembly of the energy absorberassembly shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 34 is a front view of the bracket assembly shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of first and second bases of the bracketassembly shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of a connector of the energy absorber assemblyshown in FIG. 26; and

FIG. 37 is a side view of the energy absorber assembly with the coverremoved to show how the energy absorber is connected to the connectorand the bracket assembly.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevantto the present invention. Reference characters denote like elementsthroughout the Figures and the text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration embodiments in which the inventions may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanicalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for an energy absorberassembly and components thereof.

One embodiment energy absorber assembly 100 includes a connector 101, abracket assembly 120, an energy absorber 170, and a cover 190. Althoughshown with a self-retracting lifeline 135 operatively connected to thebracket assembly 120, it is recognized that any suitable type oflifeline could be used and operatively connected to the bracket assembly120 with or without modifications to the bracket assembly.

The connector 101 is configured and arranged to operatively connect asafety harness, preferably proximate its dorsal D-ring as is well knownin the art, the energy absorber 170, and the self-retracting lifeline135 via the bracket assembly 120. Generally, as shown in at least FIGS.1-4, the connector 101 includes a base 102, which is generally U-shapedwith a first end 103, a second end 105, and an intermediate portion 109interconnecting the ends 103 and 105. The ends 103 and 105 define anopening 107 therebetween. The first end 103 includes a first lockingassembly 104 and the second end 105 includes a second locking assembly106 configured and arranged to selectively engage a gate 108. The gate108 extends through bores in the ends 103 and 105 and spans the opening107 in a locked position, in which the locking assemblies 104 and 106prevent the gate 108 from moving. In an unlocked position, in which thelocking assemblies 104 and 106 are compressed, the gate 108 slides outof the bore in end 105 to allow access to the opening 107. The connector101 is similar to that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/660,532, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.This aspect of the connector 101 is described in detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/660,532.

The intermediate portion 109, which differs from the connector disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/660,532, includes a slot 110forming a first bar portion 111 proximate the opening 107 and a secondbar portion 112 opposite the ends 103 and 105. The first bar portion 111includes a recessed portion 111 a on a side proximate the ends 103 and105, and the second bar portion 112 includes an aperture 113 proximateits center. A first protrusion 114 extends outwardly at approximately aright angle proximate the second bar portion 112 and the first side 103,and a second protrusion 115 extends outwardly at approximately a rightangle proximate the second bar portion 112 and the second side 105.

In this embodiment, a bracket assembly 120 is used. As shown in at leastFIGS. 5 and 6, the bracket assembly 120 includes a circular base 121with a crescent shaped slot 122 proximate its bottom that forms a barportion 121 a proximate the bottom of the slot 122 and a tab portion 123proximate the top of the slot 122. The tab portion 123 extends downwardrelative to the base 121 and includes an aperture 124. One side of thebase 121 includes a swivel connector portion 125. The swivel connectorportion 125 includes a stationary portion 126, a swivel portion 127, anda fastener 129 interconnecting the portions 126 and 127. The stationaryportion 126 includes an extension arm 126 a, which extends outward in aU-shaped manner from proximate the top of the base 121, and a flange 126b, which extends laterally outward from the extension arm 126 aproximate the center top of the base 121 and includes and aperture 126c. This is shown in at least FIGS. 11-13. The swivel portion 127includes a tab portion 127 a and a two prong portion 127 b, whichincludes two legs extending outward from the tab portion 127 a at adistance from one another to form an opening 127 c therebetween. The tabportion 127 a includes an aperture 128 and the legs of the two prongportion 127 b include aligning apertures 130. The opening 127 c isconfigured and arranged to receive the flange 126 b and the apertures126 c and 130 align. The base 121, including the stationary portion 126,and the swivel portion 127 are preferably made of alloy steel. Thefastener 129, which could be a rivet as shown, extends through theapertures 126 c and 130 to connect the stationary portion 126 and theswivel portion 127 in a manner that allows the swivel portion 127 toswivel or pivot relative to the stationary portion 126. The other sideof the base 121, opposite the swivel portion 127, includes a shoulderportion 131 extending outward therefrom. A fastener 168, such as a rivetas shown, extends through the aperture 124 of the bracket assembly 120and the aperture 113 of the connector 101. The bracket assembly 120 ispivotable about the fastener 168 relative to the connector 101, and theswivel connector portion 125 and the shoulder portion 131 contact therespective protrusions 114 and 115, which act likes stops to limitrotation of the bracket assembly 120. A lifeline, such as aself-retracting lifeline 135 including a connector portion 136, isoperatively connected to the bracket assembly 120 by a fastener 137extending through the aperture 128 of the swivel portion 127 and theapertures 136 a of the connector portion 136. This bracket assembly 120provides a universal joint configuration allowing the lifeline to beorientated in many directions with little restriction.

The energy absorber 170 includes a first portion 171 and a secondportion 172 operatively connected by any suitable means well known inthe art. One example of how the portions 171 and 172 could be connectedis described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/656,119 filed Oct.19, 2012 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/463,986 filed May 4,2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Theenergy absorber 170 is schematically illustrated in an unassembledposition in FIG. 10. The first portion 171 has a first end 171 a and asecond end 171 b, and the second portion 172 has a first end 172 a and asecond end 172 b. The portions 171 and 172 are operatively connectedproximate an intermediate portion 177 of the energy absorber 170. Thefirst ends 171 a and 172 a are positioned proximate one another and thesecond ends 171 b and 172 b are positioned proximate one another.

To connect the energy absorber 170 to the connector 101, one of thefirst end 171 a of the first portion 171 and the second end 172 b of thesecond portion 172 is positioned proximate the recessed portion 111 a ofthe first bar portion 111, the other of the first end 171 a of the firstportion 171 and the second end 172 b of the second portion 172 ispositioned proximate the slot 110, and the ends 171 a and 172 b areoperatively connected, such as by stitching, as a first connection 173to form a first loop 174 about the first bar portion 111.

To connect the energy absorber 170 to the bracket assembly 120, one ofthe second end 171 b of the first portion 171 and the first end 172 a ofthe second portion 172 is inserted through the slot 122 from one side ofthe base 121, the other of the second end 171 b of the first portion 171and the first end 172 a of the second portion 172 is positionedproximate the other side of the base 121, and the ends 171 b and 172 aare operatively connected, such as by stitching, as a second connection175 to form a second loop 176 about the bar portion 121 a of the base121.

After the energy absorber 170 is connected to the other components, itis folded to form an upside down V-shape, which corresponds to the shapeof the shoulder straps of the safety harness. The energy absorber 170includes a first side 179, a second side 180, and a bottom portion 178,which interconnects the sides 179 and 180. It does not matter on whichsides of the safety harness the sides 179 and 180 of the energy absorber170 are positioned. Generally, as shown in FIGS. 30-32, each side of theenergy absorber 170 is folded three times so that each segment betweenfolds is approximately the same length. The first side 179 includes afirst fold 179 a, a second fold 179 b, and a third fold 179 c. Thesecond side 180 includes a first fold 180 a, a second fold 180 b, and athird fold 180 c. The bottom portion 178 is positioned proximate theconnections 173 and 175, which form the point of the “V”. Oncepositioned in a folded configuration, a cover 190 can be positionedabout the energy absorber 170 to assist in keeping it in its foldedconfiguration.

As shown in at least FIGS. 26-29, the cover 190 is generally a sleevehaving an upside down V-shaped configuration corresponding to the energyabsorber 170 in its folded configuration. The cover 190 includes a topportion 191, a first leg 192 a, and a second leg 192 b. Proximate thebottom, the first leg 192 a includes a first strap 193 a with a firstend 194 a, a second end 196 a, and a first fastener assembly 197 a,which is configured and arranged to releasably connect the ends 194 aand 196 a. Proximate the bottom, the second leg 192 b includes a secondstrap 193 b with a first end 194 b, a second end 196 b, and a secondfastener assembly 197 b, which is configured and arranged to releasablyconnect the ends 194 b and 196 b. As shown, each of the fastenerassemblies 197 a and 197 b includes mating hook and loop but it isrecognized that other suitable fastener assemblies could be used toconnect the respective ends.

The front side 198 of the cover 190 is shown in FIG. 28. A flap portion199 extends upward from the top portion 191 and includes a first portion200 of a fastener, for example one of mating hook and loop. The rearside 201 of the cover 190 is shown in FIG. 29. The top portion 191includes an opening 203 between the front side 198 and the rear side201, which form a cavity 204 therebetween. The rear side 201 includes asecond portion 202 of the fastener, for example, the other of matinghook and loop.

To put the cover 190 on the energy absorber 170, the first side 179 isinserted through the opening 203 and in the cavity 204 proximate thefirst leg 192 a and the second side 180 is inserted through the openingand in the cavity 204 proximate the second leg 192 b. The sides 179 and180 may be positioned in the cavity 204 in any order and evensubstantially simultaneously. Then, the top portion 191 is insertedthrough the slot 110 of the connector 101, as shown in FIG. 27, so thatit can be inserted through the opening 204 and the fasteners 200 and 202mate. The straps 193 a and 193 b are wrapped around the shoulder strapsof the safety harness and the ends of the respective straps areconnected as shown in FIG. 26.

Should a fall occur, the fastener 168 deforms or breaks so that thebracket assembly 120 disconnects from the connector 101, the top portion191 of the cover 190 disconnects from the rear side 201, and theportions 171 and 172 of the energy absorber 170 begin to separate andcome out of the cover 190 thereby reducing the rate of fall and theamount of force exerted on the user from the fall. Depending upon thedistance of the fall, varying lengths of the portions 171 and 172 couldseparate.

Another embodiment energy absorber assembly 100′ is similar to theenergy absorber assembly 100 except that it includes a bracket assembly140 for connecting two self-retracting lifelines 135 to the connector101. Because the energy absorber assembly 100′ is similar to the energyabsorber assembly 100, only significant differences will be described indetail.

As shown in at least FIGS. 7-9, the bracket assembly 140 includes afirst circular base 141 configured and arranged to operatively connectto a first self-retracting lifeline 135 and a second circular base 151configured and arranged to operatively connect to a secondself-retracting lifeline 135.

The first circular base 141, shown in at least FIGS. 17 and 18, isgenerally ring-like and includes an aperture 142. A first side 143 ofthe base 141 includes a protrusion 144 extending outward proximate thetop, and a second side 145 of the base 141 includes a first swivelconnector portion 146 extending outward proximate the top. The firstswivel connector portion 146 includes a stationary portion 147, whichincludes an extension arm 147 a and a flange 147 b having an aperture147 c. Rather than extending inward in a U-shaped manner like thestationary portion 126 of the bracket assembly 120, the stationaryportion 147 extends outward as shown in FIG. 18. A swivel portion 148 isoperatively connected to the flange 147 b similarly as the swivelportion 127 is operatively connected to the flange 126 b. The swivelportion 148 includes an aperture 149 for connecting a self-retractinglifeline 135 thereto as is well known in the art.

The second circular base 151, shown in at least FIGS. 19A and 19B, isgenerally a mirror image of the first circular base 141. The secondcircular base 151 is generally ring-like and includes an aperture 152. Afirst side 153 of the base 151 includes a second swivel connectorportion 154 extending outward proximate the top, and a second side 158of the base 151 includes a protrusion 159 extending outward proximatethe top. The second swivel connector portion 154 includes a stationaryportion 155 and a swivel portion 156, which are similar to those of thefirst swivel connector portion 146. The swivel portion 156 includes anaperture 157 for connecting a self-retracting lifeline 135 thereto as iswell known in the art.

A base connector 161, shown in at least FIGS. 20-24, is configured andarranged to operatively connect the circular bases 141 and 151 to theconnector 101. The base connector 161 is preferably made of nylon. Thebase connector 161 includes a generally cylindrical portion 162 to whicha plate portion 163 is operatively connected proximate one side and aflange portion 165 is operatively connected proximate an opposing side.The plate portion 163 includes an aperture 164 proximate the center ofthe cylindrical portion 162. A segment is removed from the cylindricalportion 162 to form a bottom 166, which includes an extension 166 aextending outward from the plate portion 163. An opening 167 is formedby the flange portion 165 and the bottom 166.

The circular bases 141 and 151, which are preferably made of alloysteel, are positioned together with the swivel connector portions 146and 154 extending outward from opposing sides and the apertures 142 and152 aligning. The base connector 161 is inserted through the apertures142 and 152 so that the ring portions are proximate the cylindricalportion 162. A fastener 168 extends through the aperture 164 and theaperture 113 to connect the base connector 161 to the connector 101. Theextension 166 a of the base connector 161 is positioned below the secondbar portion 112 of the connector 101 to prevent the base connector 161from pivoting relative to the connector 101. Therefore, the circularbases 141 and 151 are positioned between the connector 101 and theflange portion 165. The circular bases 141 and 151 pivot independentlyrelative to the connector 101 and the base connector 161, and the swivelconnector portions 146 and 154 and the protrusions (shoulder portions)144 and 159 contact the respective protrusions 114 and 115, which actlikes stops to limit rotation of the circular bases 141 and 151.

Similar to the bracket assembly 120, the energy absorber 170 isconnected to the bracket assembly 140 by inserting one of the second end171 b of the first portion 171 and the first end 172 a of the secondportion 172 through the apertures 142 and 152 from one side of thecircular bases 141 and 151, the other of the second end 171 b of thefirst portion 171 and the first end 172 a of the second portion 172 ispositioned proximate the other side of the circular bases 141 and 151,and the ends 171 b and 172 a are operatively connected, such as bystitching, as a second connection 175 to form a second loop 176 aboutthe ring portions of the bases 141 and 151. The energy absorber 170 maybe connected to the bracket assembly 140 before the base connector 161is inserted through the apertures 142 and 152 or after the baseconnector is inserted through the apertures 142 and 152 and connected tothe connector 101.

Should a fall occur, the fastener 168 deforms or breaks so that the baseconnector 161 disconnects from the connector 101 thereby releasing thecircular bases 141 and 151 from the connector, the top portion 191 ofthe cover 190 disconnects from the rear side 201, and the portions 171and 172 of the energy absorber 170 begin to separate and come out of thecover 190 thereby reducing the rate of fall and the amount of forceexerted on the user from the fall. Depending upon the distance of thefall, varying lengths of the portions 171 and 172 could separate.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the circular bases 141 and 151 may be positionedduring a fall. The connector 101 is operatively connected to the user'ssafety harness, and the first self-retracting lifeline 135 a isoperatively connected to a support structure. As the portions 171 and172 of the energy absorber 170 separate, the second self-retractinglifeline 135 b simply slides along a portion of the energy absorber 170as the portions 171 and 172 continue to separate. If the secondself-retracting lifeline 135 b were connected to a support structure,the first self-retracting lifeline would similarly slide along a portionof the energy absorber 170 as the portions 171 and 172 separate.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of embodimentsof the invention. Although specific embodiments have been illustratedand described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the samepurpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. Thisapplication is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of theinvention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An energy absorber assembly for use with asafety harness, the energy absorber assembly comprising: a connectorconfigured and arranged to operatively connect directly to the safetyharness; a bracket assembly operatively connected to a lifeline, thebracket assembly including a circular base, the base having a crescentshaped slot, a tab portion with a base aperture and a lifeline connectorconfigured and arranged to engage the lifeline, the lifeline connectorhaving a lifeline aperture and two prongs configured to pivot withrespect to a stationary portion directly connected to the tab portion ofthe base, a rivet passes through the two prongs and the stationaryportion; a fastener directly connected to the connector and directlyconnected to the base, the fastener passing through the base apertureand a first connector aperture of the connector, the base pivotableabout the fastener relative to the connector, the fastener configured torelease the bracket assembly from the connector when subjected to apredetermined load; an energy absorber passing through the slot of thebase and a second aperture of the connector, the energy absorberdirectly connected to a bar of the connector and operatively connectingthe bracket assembly with the connector, the energy absorber including afirst portion and a second portion configured to separate to absorbshock between the bracket assembly and the connector as a result of saidrelease of the bracket assembly from the connector; and a coverconfigured to interconnect the energy absorber and the safety harness,the cover having a top portion, a first leg configured and arranged toreleasably engage a first strap of the safety harness and contain afirst section of the energy absorber, and a second leg configured andarranged to releasably engage a second strap of the safety harness andcontain a second section of the energy absorber.
 2. The energy absorberassembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one protrusionextending outward from the connector acting as a stop to limit rotationof the bracket assembly relative to the connector.
 3. The energyabsorber assembly of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber has an upsidedown V-shaped configuration.
 4. An energy absorber assembly incombination with a safety harness, a first lifeline and a secondlifeline, the energy absorber assembly comprising: a connectorconfigured and arranged to operatively connect directly to the safetyharness; a bracket assembly configured and arranged to be operativelyconnected to the first lifeline and the second lifeline, the bracketassembly including a first base, a second base, and a base connector,the first base having a first base aperture and a first lifelineconnector, the first lifeline connector being configured and arranged toengage the first lifeline, the second base having a second base apertureand a second lifeline connector, the second lifeline connector beingconfigured and arranged to engage the second lifeline, the baseconnector having a plate portion with a base connector aperture and aflange, the base connector being configured and arranged to extendthrough the first and second base apertures, the base connector aperturereceives a fastener, the flange and the connector preventing the firstand second bases from sliding off the base connector, the first andsecond bases being configured and arranged to be engaged by an energyabsorber; the fastener directly connected to the base connector and theconnector in order to operatively connect the bracket assembly to theconnector, the fastener configured to release the bracket assembly fromthe connector and the first and second bases from each other whensubjected to a predetermined load; and the energy absorber passingthrough the first base, the second base and the connector, the energyabsorber directly connected to the connector and operatively connectingthe bracket assembly with the connector, the energy absorber including afirst portion and a second portion configured to separate to absorbshock between the bracket assembly and the connector as a result of saidrelease of the bracket assembly from the connector.
 5. The energyabsorber assembly of claim 4, wherein the bracket assembly is pivotableabout the fastener relative to the connector during use.
 6. An energyabsorber assembly for use with a safety harness, the energy absorberassembly comprising: a connector configured and arranged to operativelyconnect directly to the safety harness; a bracket assembly configuredand arranged to be operatively connected to a first lifeline and asecond lifeline, the bracket assembly including a first base, a secondbase, and a base connector, the first base having a first base apertureand a first lifeline connector, the first lifeline connector beingconfigured and arranged to engage the first lifeline, the second basehaving a second base aperture and a second lifeline connector, thesecond lifeline connector being configured and arranged to engage thesecond lifeline, the base connector having a plate portion with a baseconnector aperture and a flange, the base connector being configured andarranged to extend through the first and second base apertures, the baseconnector aperture receives a fastener, the flange and the connectorpreventing the first and second bases from sliding off the baseconnector, the first and second bases being configured and arranged tobe engaged by an energy absorber; the fastener directly connected to thebase connector and the connector in order to operatively connect thebracket assembly to the connector, the fastener configured to releasethe bracket assembly from the connector and the first and second basesfrom each other when subjected to a predetermined load; and the energyabsorber passing through the first base, the second base and theconnector, the energy absorber directly connected to the connector andoperatively connecting the bracket assembly with the connector, theenergy absorber including a first portion and a second portionconfigured to separate to absorb shock between the bracket assembly andthe connector as a result of said release of the bracket assembly fromthe connector.
 7. The energy absorber assembly of claim 6, furthercomprising at least one protrusion extending outward from the connectoracting as a stop to limit rotation of the bracket assembly relative tothe connector.
 8. The energy absorber assembly of claim 6, wherein theenergy absorber has an upside down V-shaped configuration.
 9. The energyabsorber assembly of claim 6, further comprising a cover interconnectingthe energy absorber and the safety harness.
 10. The energy absorberassembly of claim 9, wherein the cover has a top portion configured andarranged to releasably engage the bracket assembly, a first legconfigured and arranged to releasably engage a first strap of the safetyharness, and a second leg configured and arranged to releasably engage asecond strap of the safety harness.
 11. The energy absorber assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the bracket assembly is pivotable about the fastenerrelative to the connector during use.